Landing your dream job can often feel like a marathon. You meticulously craft your resume, gather your references, and then, hit the “submit” button. But what happens next?

Days turn into weeks, and there’s nothing but silence from the hiring company. Should you reach out? If so, when? And how should you go about it?

Let’s delve into the art of follow-up after submitting your resume.

Timing is Everything

Patience is indeed a virtue, but in the realm of job applications, timing is crucial.

While it’s tempting to follow up immediately after hitting send, it’s essential to give the hiring team ample time to review applications. Typically, waiting at least one to two weeks before reaching out is best.

This timeframe allows the hiring managers to sift through applications and gives you a better chance of receiving a meaningful response.

Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up

When crafting your follow-up communication, it’s essential to strike the right balance between enthusiasm and professionalism. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you compose the perfect follow-up message:

  1. Subject Line Matters: Ensure your email subject line is concise and attention-grabbing. Consider something like “Follow-Up on [Position Title] Application” to indicate the purpose of your email clearly.
  2. Greet Appropriately: Address the recipient by name if possible. A simple “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]” suffices. If you’re unsure of the hiring manager’s name, “Dear Hiring Team” is a suitable alternative.
  3. Express Gratitude: Begin your email by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to apply and your interest in the position. A genuine thank you can go a long way in establishing a positive tone.
  4. Reiterate Your Interest: Briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and why you believe you’re a good fit. Highlight any specific skills or experiences that make you uniquely qualified for the position.
  5. Inquire About Status: Politely inquire about the status of your application. You can mention that you understand they’re likely busy but express your eagerness to learn more about the next steps in the hiring process.
  6. Provide Contact Information: Include your contact information at the end of the email, making it easy for the hiring team to reach out to you.
  7. Sign Off Professionally: Close your email with a professional sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your name.

Example Follow-Up Email

Subject: Follow-Up on [Position Title] Application

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for considering my application for the [Position Title] role at [Company Name]. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and leverage my [mention specific skills or experiences relevant to the role].

I understand that the hiring process can be quite busy, but I wanted to inquire about the status of my application and whether there are any updates or next steps you could share with me. I am eager to learn more about the potential opportunity and how I can further demonstrate my qualifications.

Thank you once again for considering my application. Please feel free to reach out to me at [your phone number] or [your email address] if you require any further information.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Following up after submitting your resume demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.

However, it’s essential to approach follow-up communication with professionalism and tact. By timing your follow-up appropriately and crafting a well-written email, you can increase your chances of standing out to hiring managers and ultimately landing your dream job in the hospitality industry.